BUSINESS

India Greenlights 3 New Airlines: Transforming Domestic Aviation

India’s aviation landscape is up for a major shake-up with the Ministry of Civil Aviation granting no-objection certificates (NOCs) to three new domestic carriers, Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress, signaling steps toward increased competition, enhanced regional connectivity, and more affordable travel options in 2026.

The approvals come amid growing calls to diversify the aviation market, which has long been dominated by IndiGo and the Air India Group, together controlling more than 90 % of domestic flights. Recent operational disruptions at one of the country’s largest carriers underscored the risks of such concentration and prompted regulators to clear the way for fresh capacity.

Shankh Air: Uttar Pradesh’s New Player

Shankh Air is expected to be one of the first among the three to begin operations, with plans to launch flight services in early 2026. Based in Uttar Pradesh, the airline aims to connect north and central Indian cities, initially linking Lucknow with major metros such as Delhi and Mumbai while expanding to Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and other destinations.

The carrier, led by founder Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, plans to start with an initial fleet of Airbus aircraft and gradually expand, including potential international operations by the late 2020s. Its mission underscores making air travel more accessible to middle-class and first-time flyers while strengthening intrastate connectivity.

Al Hind Air: Regional Focus from Kerala

Al Hind Air, headquartered in Kozhikode, Kerala, will initially operate as a regional commuter airline under the UDAN scheme. With a focus on connecting smaller cities and underserved markets in southern India, it plans to begin services using ATR turboprop aircraft.

The airline emerges from the established Alhind Group, which brings travel and tourism sector experience to its aviation venture. While it has faced early financial strain, including unpaid leave for some staff, the carrier is advancing toward operational readiness pending its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

FlyExpress: Low-Cost Connectivity & Cargo Potential

FlyExpress, a Hyderabad-based startup, has also received its NOC and intends to serve both passengers and freight across India’s regional markets as a low-cost carrier. 

It joins the other two new entrants in targeting a balance between affordability and broader market access.

What’s Ahead for Indian Aviation?

While securing NOCs is an important regulatory milestone, these airlines must still complete technical requirements, including proving flights, crew training, and DGCA-issued Air Operator Certificates, before selling commercial tickets.

If successful, the trio could destabilize the market dominance, competitive pricing, boost connectivity to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, and make flying more accessible for millions of Indians. As they take shape in 2026, the aviation sector will be watching closely to see whether this trio can break into a market long held by a few major carriers.